NigeriaDecides: INEC Threatens To Cancel Kogi Results

Patrick OdeyFebruary 26, 2023

1 minute read

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has threatened to cancel the election results of areas in Kogi State characterized by violence in the presidential and National Assembly elections.

Newsflash Nigeria gathered that hoodlums attacked some polling units in Anyigba, Dekina in Kogi East, Mopa in Kogi West as well as parts of Kogi Central Senatorial District, and carted away ballot boxes and election materials.

Reacting to the development on Saturday, Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Hale Longpet, said the Commission will cancel elections results in areas there were disruptions.

Longpet expressed sadness that the election was peaceful in the areas until political thugs disrupted the voting process.

He said: “You know the electoral law says that where there are disruptions to the process, the result will be cancelled; the very particular units’ results will be cancelled.

“The issues, initially, were only in the Kogi East and Central, but I can’t tell exactly where and where in the state have been affected until the results are brought by the electoral officers.

“We understood that because of the violence, those affected areas couldn’t conclude election there. I’m shocked that people can go to that level and disrupt something that everybody should have enjoyed.

“Election is a peaceful and willful thing that people are offered to freely participate in.

“Again, if people are given assurance that everyone will enjoy a pleasant experience, why then should we have thugs invading the whole town or the local government, disrupting the conduct of the elections?

“This is very sad and shocking when you look at the loss of lives involved.”